The Change

Today was a big day in my life. I have a new view on life. I don't know if you have ever been to District Assembly but it contains most of the business of the Church of the Nazarene. One of the best parts of the business for me is the report of the District Superintendent. Every year the DS gives a inspiring report/sermon. This year he spoke about how busy we are "doing" church. He spoke about how we allow church to get in between us and God. I was extremely convicted by God about this. For too long I have put the church and my personal life above God. I don't really know what to say, but I have decided to rearrange my lifes priorities permenantly. Many times in the past I have started down this path and along the way I have failed, but by the grace and power of God I will be carried through to the end. Please pray for me anytime you think of me.

Favorite Food

Rumor has it that at one time Lafayette, IN had the most restaurants along one stretch of road in the U.S. While this sounds interesting, I am not sure of its origins. I was told by some people who grew up here. They may be biased.

With this thought in mind, I decided that I would list the restaurant that prepared certain types of food the best in my opinion.

Hamburger - I am a Deckard. I remember my dad telling me a story that his dad told him about the first time granda had a hamburger. There are certain things in life that make such an impact on someones they have to be passed down through the generations. With this said, I share the same passion for beef that my grandfather shared. By far the best burger in town goes to......Chili's BBq Ranch Burger. The bacon on this slab of meat is itself about 1/4 inch thick. I want one right now.

Steak - Remember, these are just my opinion. Once again though we are in a catagory of beef. I share my love of medium rare steaks with no-one in my family. They all want it cooked beyond taste. While i love the taste of steak I am also a fan of seasoning. One steak that I have grown to love is the O'Charley's Louisiana Sirloin. 12 oz. of steak pleasure. To that you add a baked potato (butter & sour cream) and you are ready for an out-of-this-world experience.

Chinese - I am close to a split decision on this decision so I will break it down into 2 separate catagories. Buffet and Order in. The best place in Lafayette to get chinese food buffet style is Super China Buffet. They have a great variety of food. It has never been cold and always seems fresh. An added bonus to this restaurant is their carry out. It is fantasticly better than eating there. The best place to sit down and order chinese is Hunan House. The portions are huge which makes me happy. However there is a black mark against this restaurant. I am not allowed to eat there any more per my wifes insistance. They once took 2 hours to deliver food to us at work. Kimber proceeded to tell them they lost our business and she meant it. You should eat there...it is amazing.

Mexican - It is extremely hard for me to like a mexican restaurant more that Casa Brava in Bedford. I still stand firm on that. As David Crowder says, "There is no one like you." I love my Casa Brava! However, I must still make a decision for Lafayette's best mexican restaurant. That honor goes to.......PePe's. They are by far the most culturally authentic restaurant here. Don Pablo's is second, but it doesn't compare.

Italian - I have not really found a better place for Penne w/ broccoli and chicken than Spageddies. It is a chain restaurant, but it is delicious. They snag your heart from the start with their fresh baked bread and olive oil dipping sauce. I am in love with that place.

And interestingly enough I saved my favorite restaurant in Lafayette for last. The best restaurant here is ....... South Street Smokehouse. I can not say much for cleanliness or kindliness of staff, or even table availability, but the food is the best in the land. It is so good that it may take the #1 spot to eat anywhere in Indiana. It's that good. Try it!

Spanking

My childhood was interesting.

When me and my brother were kids we would get into all kinds of things. We were overall pretty good kids, but we had our ways of hacking off our parents. We were accustomed to receiving the "rod" just to make sure we weren't being spoiled. There were very few times that we were reprimanded that we didn't deserve it. Most of the time we were guilty of the crimes we were accused of. However, there were a few, very few, times where if I was going to be punished and my brother Kevin didn't feel like it was justified he would ask mom or dad if he could take my spankings in place of me. Now you understand why it was very few times. Sometimes when my brother requested this my parents allowed it and other times they didn't. Every time they did they made sure to use it as a teaching point. "What Kevin is doing is an example of what Christ did for us on the cross. We are the guilty ones and he paid the price for us." Now I know why they like him better.

I am not a fan of cheesy skits in churches, so when Kimber sent me this link I was skeptical of its value. I couldn't have been more wrong. This may be the best example of what Christ does for us that I have ever witnessed. I encourage you to watch the clip. (let it all load first or it will ruin the flow.)If you don't watch it I want you to know you are missing out on a great clip!

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5

Jimmy John's

I know that while you read this you will start salivating so just be ready. Today for lunch I had "The J.J. Gargantuan" which is described by Jimmy John's as:

"This sandwich was invented by Jimmy John's brother Huey. It's huge enough to feed the hungriest of all humans! Tons of genoa salami, sliced smoked ham, capicola, roast beef, turkey & provolone, jammed into one of our homemade French buns then smothered with onions, mayo, lettuce, tomato, & our homemade Italian dressing. "

Now I get mine without tomato and Italian dressing, but it is still good. While I was partaking in the heavenly experience of consuming this massive stack of meat, one of the "regulars" at church came in my office. The first words out of his mouth were, " I want one of those." Then I was able to reply tauntingly, "Yeah, it's verrrrrry good."

Isn't it interesting how attractive things are when we see them in person. I can read the menu here in front of me, and the description of the sandwich sounds good. It is nothing compared to eating it. I want to make sure that I am always making Christ appealing. I want to make sure that I am bringing Christ to people in everyday situations on levels that they can understand and comprehend. I know that Christ is more than something that I could ever sell to someone. But God made me happy and I know that other people are seeking a happiness. They try to find it in other people, alcohol, drugs, hobbies, and any other number of false securities. God is our completeness when we are looking for things to fill our emptiness. I have a calling on my live to gift God to people as often as possible, and you do too.

1 Word Answers to Silly Questions

1. Where is your cell phone? Desk
2. Your significant other? Kimber
3. Your hair? Short
4. Your mother? Small
5. Your father? Large
6. Your favorite thing? DAAAAAA
7. Your dream last night? None
8 Your favorite drink? BigRed
9. Your dream/goal? Unsure
10. The room you’re in? Office
11. Your hobby? COD 4
12. Your fear? Traveling
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Alive
14. What you’re not? Dead
15. Muffins? No
16. One of your wish list items?
17. Where you grew up? Bedford
18. The last thing you did? Read
19. What are you wearing? Denim
20. Favorite gadget? GPS
21. Your pets? Fishy
22. Your computer? Kimbers
23. Your mood? Tired
24. Missing someone? Andy
25. Your car? Hot
26. Something you’re not wearing? Watch
27. Favorite store? Bose
28. Like someone? Andy
29. Your favorite color? Blue
30. When is the last time you laughed? Lint
31. Last time you cried? Movie